Teks -- Revelation 5:1-3 (NET)

The Opening of the Scroll

5:1 Then I saw in the right hand of the one who was seated on the throne a scroll written on the front and back and sealed with seven seals. 5:2 And I saw a powerful angel proclaiming in a loud voice: “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to break its seals?” 5:3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or look into it.

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per frasa)

Robertson: Rev 5:1 - In the right hand

In the right hand ( epi tēn dexian ).

"Upon the right hand"(epi , not en ), the open palm. Anthropomorphic language drawn from Eze 2:9.

Robertson: Rev 5:1 - A book

A book ( biblion ).

Diminutive of biblos , but no longer so used, biblaridion occurring instead (Rev 10:2).

Robertson: Rev 5:1 - Written

Written ( gegrammenon ).

Perfect passive predicate participle of graphō .

Robertson: Rev 5:1 - Within and on the back

Within and on the back ( esōthen kai opisthen ).

"Within and behind."Description of a roll like that in Luk 4:17, not a codex as some scholars think. Usually these papyrus rolls were written only on the inside, but this one was so full of matter that it was written also on the back side (opisthen ), and so was an opisthographon like that in Eze 2:10. There are many allegorical interpretations of this fact which are all beside the point.

Robertson: Rev 5:1 - Sealed

Sealed ( katesphragismenon ).

Perfect passive predicate participle of katasphragizō , old compound (perfective use of kata ), to seal up (down), here only in N.T.

Robertson: Rev 5:1 - With seven seals

With seven seals ( sphragisin hepta ).

Instrumental case of sphragis , old word used in various senses, proof or authentication (1Co 9:2; Rom 4:11), signet-ring (Rev 7:2), impression made by the seal (Rev 9:4; 2Ti 2:19), the seal on books closing the book (Rev 5:1, Rev 5:2, Rev 5:5, Rev 5:9; Rev 6:1, Rev 6:3, Rev 6:5, Rev 6:7, Rev 6:9, Rev 6:12; Rev 8:1). "A will in Roman law bore the seven seals of the seven witnesses"(Charles). But this sealed book of doom calls for no witnesses beyond God’ s own will. Alford sees in the number seven merely the completeness of God’ s purposes.

Robertson: Rev 5:2 - A strong angel

A strong angel ( aggelon ischuron ).

One needed (Rev 10:1; Rev 18:21) "whose call could reach to the farthest limits of the universe"(Beckwith) and so "with a great voice"(en phōnēi megalēi , in a great voice, as in Rev 14:7, Rev 14:9, Rev 14:15, and without en Rev 5:12; Rev 6:10; Rev 7:2, Rev 7:10; Rev 8:13; Rev 10:3, etc.). See en ischurāi phōnēi (Rev 18:2).

Robertson: Rev 5:2 - Proclaiming

Proclaiming ( kērussonta ).

Present active predicate participle of kērussō , to herald, to preach.

Robertson: Rev 5:2 - Worthy to open and to loose

Worthy to open and to loose ( axios anoixai kai lusai ).

Worthy by rank and character (cf. Joh 1:27) as well as by ability (edunato , Rev 5:3), followed by two infinitives (first aorist active) of anoigō and luō , though hina and the subjunctive can be used after axios as in Joh 1:27. Here axios is like hikanos (capable, qualified) as in Mat 8:8. The articles here (to , tas ) refer to the book and the seals in Rev 5:1. It is a husteron-proteron, since the loosing of the seals precedes the opening of the book.

Robertson: Rev 5:3 - En (in) with locative (ouranōi ), epi (upon) with genitive (gēs ), hupokatō (under) with ablative (gēs ), as in Rev 5:13, including the whole universe, as in Exo 20:4 (Phi 2:10). The MSS. vary in the negative conjunctions after oudeis (no one) between oude - oude (continuative, and not - nor) and oute - oute (disjunctive, neither - nor). @@To look thereon

En (in) with locative (ouranōi ), epi (upon) with genitive (gēs ), hupokatō (under) with ablative (gēs ), as in Rev 5:13, including the whole universe, as in Exo 20:4 (Phi 2:10). The MSS. vary in the negative conjunctions after oudeis (no one) between oude - oude (continuative, and not - nor) and oute - oute (disjunctive, neither - nor). @@To look thereon ( blepein auto ).

Into the contents of the book. The universe declines the challenge.

Vincent: Rev 5:1 - In

In ( ἐπί )

Lit., on . The book or roll lay upon the open hand.

Vincent: Rev 5:1 - A Book

A Book ( βιβλίον )

See on Mat 19:7; see on Mar 10:4; see on Luk 4:17. Compare Eze 2:9; Jer 36:2; Zec 5:1, Zec 5:2.

Vincent: Rev 5:1 - Within and on the back side

Within and on the back side ( ἔσωθεν καὶ ὄπισθεν )

Compare Eze 2:10. Indicating the completeness of the divine counsels contained in the book. Rolls written on both sides were called opistographi . Pliny the younger says that his uncle, the elder Pliny, left him an hundred and sixty commentaries, most minutely written, and written on the back, by which this number is multiplied. Juvenal, inveighing against the poetasters who are declaiming their rubbish on all sides, says: " Shall that one then have recited to me his comedies, and this his elegies with impunity? Shall huge 'Telephus' with impunity have consumed a whole day; or - with the margin to the end of the book already filled - 'Orestes,' written on the very back, and yet not concluded?" (i., 3-6).

Vincent: Rev 5:1 - Sealed

Sealed ( κατεσφραγισμένον )

Only here in the New Testament. The preposition κατά denotes sealed down . So Rev., close sealed . The roll is wound round a staff and fastened down to it with the seven seals. The unrolling of the parchment is nowhere indicated in the vision. Commentators have puzzled themselves to explain the arrangement of the seals, so as to admit of the unrolling of a portion with the opening of each seal. Düsterdieck remarks that, With an incomparably more beautiful and powerful representation, the contents of the roll are successively symbolized by the vision which follows upon the opening of each seal. " The contents of the book leap forth in plastic symbols from the loosened seal." Milligan explains the seven seals as one seal, comparing the seven churches and the seven spirits as signifying one church and one spirit, and doubts if the number seven has here any mystical meaning. Others, as Alford, claim that the completeness of the divine purposes is indicated by the perfect number seven.

Vincent: Rev 5:2 - Strong

Strong

Either as being of higher rank, or with reference to the great voice.

Vincent: Rev 5:2 - Worthy

Worthy ( ἄξιος )

As in Joh 1:27. Morally entitled.

Vincent: Rev 5:3 - Under the earth

Under the earth

In Hades.

Vincent: Rev 5:3 - To look

To look ( βλέπειν )

See on Joh 1:29. To take a single look at the contents.

Wesley: Rev 5:1 - And I saw

This is a continuation of the same narrative.

Wesley: Rev 5:1 - In the right hand

The emblem of his all - ruling power. He held it openly, in order to give it to him that was worthy. It is scarce needful to observe, that there is not in heaven any real book of parchment or paper or that Christ does not really stand there, in the shape of a lion or of a lamb. Neither is there on earth any monstrous beast with seven heads and ten horns. But as there is upon earth something which, in its kind, answers such a representation; so there are in heaven divine counsels and transactions answerable to these figurative expressions. All this was represented to St. John at Patmos, in one day, by way of vision. But the accomplishment of it extends from that time throughout all ages. Writings serve to inform us of distant and of future things. And hence things which are yet to come are figuratively said to be "written in God's book;" so were at that time the contents of this weighty prophecy. But the book was sealed. Now comes the opening and accomplishing also of the great things that are, as it were, the letters of it.

Wesley: Rev 5:1 - A book written within and without

That is, no part of it blank, full of matter.

Wesley: Rev 5:1 - Sealed with seven seals

According to the seven principal parts contained in it, one on the outside of each. The usual books of the ancients were not like ours, but were volumes or long pieces of parchment, rolled upon a long stick, as we frequently roll silks. Such was this represented, which was sealed with seven seals. Not as if the apostle saw all the seals at once; for there were seven volumes wrapped up one within another, each of which was sealed: so that upon opening and unrolling the first, the second appeared to be sealed up till that was opened, and so on to the seventh. The book and its seals represent all power in heaven and earth given to Christ. A copy of this book is contained in the following chapters. By "the trumpets," contained under the seventh seal, the kingdom of the world is shaken, that it may at length become the kingdom of Christ. By "the vials," under the seventh trumpet, the power of the beast, and whatsoever is connected with it, is broken. This sum of all we should have continually before our eyes: so the whole Revelation flows in its natural order.

Wesley: Rev 5:2 - And I saw a strong angel

This proclamation to every creature was too great for a man to make, and yet not becoming the Lamb himself. It was therefore made by an angel, and one of uncommon eminence.

Wesley: Rev 5:3 - And none

No creature; no, not Mary herself. In heaven, or in earth, neither under the earth - That is, none in the universe. For these are the three great regions into which the whole creation is divided.

Wesley: Rev 5:3 - Was able to open the book

To declare the counsels of God.

Wesley: Rev 5:3 - Nor to look thereon

So as to understand any part of it.

JFB: Rev 5:1 - in, &c.

Greek, "(lying) upon the right hand." His right hand was open and on it lay the book. On God's part there was no withholding of His future purposes as contained in the book: the only obstacle to unsealing it is stated in Rev 5:3 [ALFORD].

JFB: Rev 5:1 - book

Rather, as accords with the ancient form of books, and with the writing on the backside, "a roll." The writing on the back implies fulness and completeness, so that nothing more needs to be added (Rev 22:18). The roll, or book, appears from the context to be "the title-deed of man's inheritance" [DE BURGH] redeemed by Christ, and contains the successive steps by which He shall recover it from its usurper and obtain actual possession of the kingdom already "purchased" for Himself and His elect saints. However, no portion of the roll is said to be unfolded and read; but simply the seals are successively opened, giving final access to its contents being read as a perfect whole, which shall not be until the events symbolized by the seals shall have been past, when Eph 3:10 shall receive its complete accomplishment, and the Lamb shall reveal God's providential plans in redemption in all their manifold beauties. Thus the opening of the seals will mean the successive steps by which God in Christ clears the way for the final opening and reading of the book at the visible setting up of the kingdom of Christ. Compare, at the grand consummation, Rev 20:12, "Another book was opened . . . the book of life"; Rev 22:19. None is worthy to do so save the Lamb, for He alone as such has redeemed man's forfeited inheritance, of which the book is the title-deed. The question (Rev 5:2) is not (as commonly supposed), Who should reveal the destinies of the Church (for this any inspired prophet would be competent to do)? but, Who has the WORTH to give man a new title to his lost inheritance? [DE BURGH].

JFB: Rev 5:1 - sealed . . . seven seals

Greek, "sealed up," or "firmly sealed." The number seven (divided into four, the world-wide number, and three, the divine) abounds in Revelation and expresses completeness. Thus, the seven seals, representing all power given to the Lamb; the seven trumpets, by which the world kingdoms are shaken and overthrown, and the Lamb's kingdom ushered in; and the seven vials, by which the beast's kingdom is destroyed.

JFB: Rev 5:2 - strong

(Psa 103:20). His voice penetrated heaven, earth, and Hades (Rev 10:1-3).

JFB: Rev 5:3 - no man

Greek, "no one." Not merely no man, but also no one of any order of beings.

JFB: Rev 5:3 - in earth

Greek, "upon the earth."

JFB: Rev 5:3 - under the earth

Namely, in Hades.

JFB: Rev 5:3 - look thereon

To look upon the contents, so as to read them.

Clarke: Rev 5:1 - A book written within and on the back side

A book written within and on the back side - That is, the book was full of solemn contents within, but it was sealed; and on the back side was a superscription indicating its contents. It was a labelled book, or one written on each side of the skin, which was not usual

Clarke: Rev 5:1 - Sealed with seven seals

Sealed with seven seals - As seven is a number of perfection, it may mean that the book was so sealed that the seals could neither be counterfeited nor broken; i.e., the matter of the book was so obscure and enigmatical and the work it enjoined and the facts it predicted so difficult and stupendous, that they could neither be known nor performed by human wisdom or power.

Clarke: Rev 5:2 - A strong angel

A strong angel - One of the chief of the angelic host

Clarke: Rev 5:2 - Proclaiming

Proclaiming - As the herald of God

Clarke: Rev 5:2 - To open the book, and to loose the seals

To open the book, and to loose the seals - To loose the seals that he may open the book. Who can tell what this book contains? Who can open its mysteries? The book may mean the purposes and designs of God relative to his government of the world and the Church; but we, whose habitation is in the dust, know nothing of such things. We are, however, determined to guess.

Clarke: Rev 5:3 - And no man

And no man - Ουδεις· No person or being

Clarke: Rev 5:3 - In heaven

In heaven - Among all the angels of God

Clarke: Rev 5:3 - Nor in the earth

Nor in the earth - No human being

Clarke: Rev 5:3 - Neither under the earth

Neither under the earth - No disembodied spirit, nor any demon. Neither angels, men, nor devils, can fathom the decrees of God

Clarke: Rev 5:3 - Neither to look thereon

Neither to look thereon - None can look into it unless it be opened, and none can open it unless the seals be unloosed.

Defender: Rev 5:1 - book

The "book" (Greek biblion) was not a book in the modern sense, but rather a "scroll" or "writing." The same word is used in Mat 19:7, "a writing of divorcement." The word originally comes from the name for the papyrus plant leaf which was used to make paper in ancient times. In this case, the writing was the scroll containing the title deed, not just to a parcel of land, but to the entire earth and all its inhabitants. In accordance with ancient legal custom, the deed was inscribed in full on the inside of the scroll with enough information on its backside to indicate the land involved and the rightful owner who had purchased it. It was then sealed and deposited somewhere for preservation and record and could only be opened by the owner when he arrived to take possession (see Jer 25:11; Jer 32:10-15 for an illustration of this principle).

Since the ultimate owner of the earth is its Creator (Psa 24:1), only He has the right to deed it to anyone. While He did give Adam dominion over it (Gen 1:26-28), Satan usurped that dominion when Adam sinned and now "the whole world lieth in wickedness" (1Jo 5:19). Nevertheless, the Creator is still the owner, and has retained the record of ownership in His own possession.

The Creator did deed a portion of the earth to each family of the children of Israel, commanding that: "The land shall not be sold forever: for the land is mine" (Lev 25:23). If any portion of the land were sold, it could always be purchased back ("redeemed") by any kinsman of the owner (Lev 25:25). A kinsman might also redeem individuals who had become bondservants (Lev 25:47-55). All such arrangements and transactions were actually types of the great transaction by which the Creator of the world would also become its Redeemer, paying the necessary price to purge it not only of sin but also of the evil usurper who has been "the god of this world" (2Co 4:4) ever since Adam sinned."

Defender: Rev 5:2 - worthy

The Redeemer of the lost world must be a kinsman, a man, not an angel or demon; but He must also be God, who is its true owner. He cannot be an ordinary man, for the world is lost precisely because of man's sinful condition, and "there is none that doeth good, no, not one" (Rom 3:12). He must be both God and sinless man to take "away the sin of the world" (Joh 1:29) and to reclaim it for Himself."

TSK: Rev 5:1 - that sat // a book // sealed

that sat : Rev 4:3

a book : Rev 10:2, Rev 10:8-11; Isa 34:16; Eze 2:9, Eze 2:10

sealed : Rev 6:1; Isa 8:16, Isa 29:11; Dan 8:26, Dan 12:4-9

TSK: Rev 5:2 - a strong // Who

a strong : Psa 103:20

Who : Rev 5:5; Isa 29:11, Isa 29:12, Isa 41:22, Isa 41:23

TSK: Rev 5:3

Rev 5:13; Isa 40:13, Isa 40:14, Isa 41:28; Rom 11:34

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per Ayat)

Poole: Rev 5:1 - Chapter Introduction // book // Written within, and on the back-side // Sealed with seven seals

Rev 5:1-3 The book sealed with seven seals, which no man is

worthy to open.

Rev 5:4,5 John weeping thereat is comforted.

Rev 5:6,7 The Lamb that was slain taketh the book to open it.

Rev 5:8-10 The beasts and the elders praise him that had redeemed

them with his blood.

Rev 5:11-14 The angels join with them in ascribing glory to God

and to the Lamb.

Chapter Introduction

The same vision yet proceedeth. Hitherto John had only seen a throne, with a person sitting upon it in a very glorious habit and appearance, twenty-four grave persons, and four living creatures, in the shape of a lion, a calf, a man, and an eagle, each of them with six wings, and full of eyes, about the throne; and heard the twenty-four living creatures constantly giving glory to God, and the twenty-four elders harmonizing with them, and joining likewise in the high praises of God. Now the vision proceedeth.

The disputes what this

book was are very idle; for it was certainly the book of which we read hereafter, that it was opened, and to which the seven seals mentioned in the following chapters were annexed, of the opening of all which we read; and this could be no other than codex fatidicus, ( as Mr. Mede calls it), the book of the counsels, decrees, and purposes of God relating to his church, as to what more remarkable things should happen to it to the end of the world; which book was in the hand of the Father.

Written within, and on the back-side very full of matter, so as it was written on all sides.

Sealed with seven seals hitherto concealed from the world, and to be revealed by parts, as to the bringing to pass of those things decreed in it; though all at once by God here revealed, in a degree, by visions unto John.

Poole: Rev 5:2 - loud voice // Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

There were no weak angels, but possibly this angel might, in appearance to John, look as if he were stronger than others; or rather, so judged from the great and

loud voice he used.

Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? Not that he thought any was able, or worthy. We can only conclude from hence the impotency of men to search, and find out, and expound the deep things of God, and consequently the unlawfulness of too narrow a prying into his secret mysteries.

Poole: Rev 5:3 - under the earth // to open the book

None of the angels in heaven nor any man upon the

earth nor any of them whose bodies are

under the earth and their souls in heaven, nor any infernal spirits; none was found sufficient

to open the book and to look on it. There was none who replied to the angel’ s question, Rev 5:2 .

PBC: Rev 5:1

Re 5:1 "And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals."

As we leave Re 4:1-11, in which the Sovereign God has been seen and praised by the four beasts and four and twenty elders, we are shown this Sovereign of all the universe with a book in His right hand. The importance of the writings contained therein and on the back side is emphasized by having seven seals. Seals were important because they show the authority of the writer. It cannot be opened except by the one to whom it is addressed. In this case we find the answer to this in Re 1:1, The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John. Having been given this Revelation by God, none could open it but Jesus Christ Himself.

Prelude to This Sealed Document:

We can find the prelude to this sealed document in Da 12:4, " But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." When Daniel began to inquire about these things, he was told that it would be for " a time, times, and half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished." {Da 12:7} The power of the holy people (Jews) was scattered when Jerusalem became condemned and destroyed. The Jews were scattered among every kindred, tongue, and nation.— Eld. Charles Taylor

PBC: Rev 5:2

The sealing of a document was very important; the opening of that document (book) was equally important. As this search was made (and it seemed to have been made in an instant of time, because it was by the Almighty One who sat upon the throne) none was found who was worthy to open the seals thereon. The tears of anguish shed by John were significant because had none been found there would have been no hope. Mortal man could not do the work of the Almighty. Salvation is not in the hands of man, nor has it ever been. This passage of Scripture is one of the best proofs which can be found. Surely if salvation had been had been in man’s hands, this search would not have been made. Before the throne was a vast multitude whose garments were spotless. Yet none of these was worthy because no one was the author or recipient of this Book.— Eld. Charles Taylor

Haydock: Rev 5:1 - A book written within and without // Sealed with seven seals

A book written within and without. [1] Books were their skin, membranes, or parchments, and when written on both sides part of the writing appeared, though they were rolled up. ---

Sealed with seven seals, as containing mysteries and secrets of high importance. (Witham)

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[BIBLIOGRAPHY]

Intus et foris, Greek: esothen kai opisthen; on the back side.

Haydock: Rev 5:3 - No man was able

No man was able, [2] &c. As to the contents, some understand the prophecies and mysteries both of the Old and New Testament; others, the events that should afterwards happen to the Church of Christ, as various persecutions against Christians. Alcazar would have the sense of these words to be, that only Christ and his Spirit could open the book to others, and make them believe and know the punishments prepared for the wicked, and the reward reserved for God's faithful servants. (Witham)

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[BIBLIOGRAPHY]

Aperire librum, neque videre illum, Greek: blepein kai anagnonai, legere.

Gill: Rev 5:1 - And I saw on the right hand of him that sat on the throne // a book written within, and on the backside, sealed with seven seals

And I saw on the right hand of him that sat on the throne,.... Of this throne, and who it was that sat upon it; see Gill on Rev 4:2; and who had "in" his right hand, or "at", or "upon" his right hand, as the Syriac and Arabic versions render it, lying by, or near his right hand; though according to Rev 5:7, the book appears to have been in his right hand, as our version, and others render it:

a book written within, and on the backside, sealed with seven seals: this book was very much like Ezekiel's roll, Eze 2:9; which was written פנים ואחור, "within" and "without", before and behind, and indeed it was in the form of a roll: the manner of writings in those times was on sheets of parchment, which, when finished, were rolled up in the form of a cylinder; hence a book is called a "volume". This book seems to have consisted of seven rolls, to which was annexed seven seals; and there being not room enough within, contrary to the common way of writing, some things were written upon the backside of the outermost roll; and such writings were by the ancients called "Opistographi": and the word is used by them sometimes for very prolix writings ^b. By this book some understand the Scriptures of the Old Testament, which were written in rolls; see Heb 10:5; and which came out of the right hand of God, and were given forth by him; and being written within, and on the backside, may denote the fulness of them, they containing a variety of matter, useful and profitable, for different purposes; or else the literal and mystical, or spiritual meaning of some parts of them: or, as others think, the more clear explanation of the books of the Old Testament, by those of the New Testament; and its being sealed may signify the authenticity of those writings, having the seal of God's truth, and the impress of his wisdom, power, and goodness on them; and also the hidden sense and meaning of them, they being, especially in the prophetic and spiritual part of them, a sealed book to natural men, and of which Christ is the truest and best interpreter; but then this book was opened, and looked into, and read, and, in some measure, understood, even by the Old Testament saints, and had been before this time expounded by Christ, concerning himself; yea, he had opened the understandings of his disciples to understand those Scriptures, and had counted them, and others, worthy to open and explain this book to others, and had sent them into all the world for this purpose; and for the same reasons it cannot be understood of the Gospel published to Jews and Gentiles, the one within, and the other without; rather therefore the book of God's decrees is here meant, which respects all creatures, and all occurrences and events in the whole world, from the beginning to the end of time; and so Ezekiel's roll, according to the Targum on Eze 2:10; which was written before and behind, signified that which was מן שרויא, "from the beginning", and which דעתיד למהוי בסופא, "shall be in the end", or hereafter. This book God holds "in his right hand", as the rule and measure of all he does, and of the government of the world, and which he constantly fulfils and executes; and its being written "within and without" may denote the perfection and comprehensiveness of it, it reaching to all creatures and things, even the most minute; and its being "sealed" shows the certainty of its fulfilment, and the secrecy and hiddenness of it, until accomplished; though it seems best of all to understand it of that part of God's decrees relating to the church and world, particularly the Roman empire, which from henceforward, to the end of time, was to be fulfilled; and so is no other than the book of the Revelation itself, exhibited in the following scenes and visions; and this may be truly said to be in the right hand of God, and from thence taken by the Lamb, it being the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, Rev 1:1; and may be said to be written, both "within and on the backside", to show that it contains a large account of things, a long train of events to be accomplished; as also to signify, that it regards the church, and the members of it, who are those that are within, in the several ages of time, and the world, or those that are without; for this book prophecy regards both the state of the Roman empire, and of the Christian church; and its being "sealed" shows the authenticity, certainty, and also the obscurity of what was contained therein; and with "seven" seals, with respect to the seven periods of time, in which the prophecies in it are to be fulfilled.

Gill: Rev 5:2 - And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice // who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof

And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice,.... This was not the uncreated angel, Jesus Christ; for he is after spoken of as the lion of the tribe of Judah, and as the Lamb in the midst of the throne, but a created one; though who he was, whether Gabriel, as some say, because his name signifies the strong or mighty One of God, is not material to be known; angels are said to be mighty, and to excel in strength: this is called so here, chiefly with respect to his voice, which he, by reason of his great strength, exerted so loudly, as to be heard by all the creatures in heaven, and in earth, and under the earth however, this was not John the Baptist, but if a minister of the Gospel, rather some one since, making the following proclamation:

who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? suggesting, that if there was any such person, that he was desired to come, and do it; and it seems, that he must not only be one of power and ability, but of dignity and authority, a person of greatness and worth, from whence his ability arises; as he ought to be that can engage his heart to draw nigh to God, and take a book out of his right hand, this mysterious book of the Revelation, as it was indeed while sealed; and open and explain it to others, unseal it or exhibit it, as it afterwards was in the following scenes and visions, and gave a view of all that is contained in it; and not only so, but fulfil and accomplish all the prophecies in it; and who can, or is worthy to do all this, but he that sits at the right hand of God, and who is God as well as man? and this proclamation was made to stir up an earnest desire in John, and all the saints he represents, to know what was in this book; and to show the impotence of all creatures to make any discovery of it; and to illustrate, and set off with a greater foil, the glory, excellency, ability, and worth of Jesus Christ. There seems to be an allusion to the president of the temple calling to the priests under him, to attend to the several parts of service assigned them, saying unto them, מי שזכה, "whosoever is worthy, let him" do so and so ^c.

Gill: Rev 5:3 - And no man in heaven // nor in earth // neither under the earth // was able to open the book, neither to look thereon

And no man in heaven,.... Or "no one in heaven", whether angels, or the souls of departed saints; neither the one nor the other know anything of what is to come, until it is revealed unto them:

nor in earth: among all the men on earth, even those of the greatest sagacity and penetration, the wise, the prudent, the scribe, the disputer of this world, such who are most conversant with books, and have the greatest reach into the things of nature, or of grace:

neither under the earth; the dead buried there, good or bad; which may be said agreeably to the notions of the ancient Jews, who believed the immortality of souls, and that they were rewarded or punished, υπο χθονος, "under the earth", according to their virtue or vice in life ^d: or the devils in hell; or whoever on the earth are influenced by them, as magicians, sorcerers, soothsayers, and necromancers:

was able to open the book, neither to look thereon; or in it, so as to read it, understand it, and show to John what was in it; for the sense is, there was no creature in heaven, earth, or hell, who were masters of the deepest knowledge, and made pretensions to any, that were able to foresee and foretell things to come; or to exhibit the prophecies in this book, and represent them to John in the manner they afterwards were, and much less to accomplish them.